PubTalks: Startups & A.I. - Beyond the Buzz

THINK AI IS JUST FOR TECH GIANTS? THINK AGAIN. AI isn’t just buzzwords and billion-dollar tools, it’s being used by everyday founders to build smarter, sell faster, and do more with less. This PubTalks event brings together startup voices who are putting AI to work in real, meaningful ways. No jargon. No hype. Just bold ideas and practical takeaways for all experience levels. This event is for startup founders, entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, service providers, and anyone curious about how AI is actually being used in the real world—whether you're tech-savvy or just getting started. At each PubTalk, companies are invited to wow the crowd with a five-minute pitch. CEDO is delighted to welcome these companies for our May PubTalk: SYNPLEXITY Craig Stolarczyk EVERGREEN BIOWORKS Stephen Banse WHAT TO EXPECT Arrive to Claim 52 Kitchen's NEW Location (formerly the WildCraft space) 232 Lincoln Street Eugene, Oregon 5:00 PM – Doors open + networking 5:30 PM – Pitches + Panel 6:15 PM – More networking + wrap-up 7:00 PM – Event ends PLUS Real talk about how AI is being used right now in early-stage companies A welcoming, accessible vibe—perfect for everyone from AI skeptics to startup pros A drink on us with your ticket Plenty of free parking in the lot MEET THE PANEL Moderator Lisa Peyton Lisa Peyton is a leading AI strategist and educator based in Eugene. As an instructor at the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communications, she developed the school’s first AI fundamentals course for communications students. Lisa authored the groundbreaking report "Embracing the Future," and has led AI initiatives for brands like Intel and Microsoft. A frequent speaker and contributor to MarTech.org, she’s shaping the future of strategic communications through research, teaching, and real-world innovation. Panelist Adam Wolfe Adam Wolfe is a people-focused sales and growth leader with a passion for scaling AI startups and enterprise solutions and the co-founder of Hook. Hook is a user-generated content (UGC) studio that helps brands scale with high-performing UGC. They specialize in creating viral content by handling trend research, creator matchmaking, scripting, and production. Hook offers services like Organic Content Machine, Campus CEO for connecting creators with brands, and Paid UGC Ads that blend in, engage, and sell. Panelist Widny Joseph Widny Joseph is the CEO of Talent Questor a platform that blends AI intelligence with human insight to transform recruitment into a strategic advantage. By leveraging advanced AI-powered matching, Talent Questor goes beyond skills—analyzing culture fit, potential, and impact—to help teams evaluate, collaborate, and hire with exceptional speed and precision. Let’s get together, learn something new, and connect over how AI is really showing up in our startup journeys. Come curious. Leave inspired. Bring a friend. Thank you to sponsors and partners Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, Lane Workforce Partnership, Holland & Knight, and Launch Oregon! *PubTalks is a registered trademark of Oregon Entrepreneurs Network.